Along with Dr. Carruthers, Dr. David Patrick will be speaking at the MEFM Society of BC's AGM on Saturday in Vancouver. We can expect an update from him on the status of the clinic for complex chronic diseases.

The new clinic for complex chronic diseases will be housed at the old Shaughnessy Hospital site. Dr. Patrick mentioned Women's and Children's; I had the impression that it'll be in the Women's Hospital. He described good space and good administration. The search is underway now for the inaugural medical expert.

Dr. Patrick mentioned GP referrals. An audience member did ask that he consider self-referrals for those who may not have a GP. Dr. Patrick has been welcoming input through the MEFM Society's representation on a community advisory committee for the clinic, and the Executive is considering putting together a surveya big job.

Kati, many many thanks--I have listened to Dr. Patrick so far--hopeful! A very bronchial audience, but mostly good stuff, though I was a bit surprised (and maybe disturbed) by the lack of any references to cardiac and autonomic issues--I hope they will include those in a significant way. I had intended to go, but had a bad spell, and the trip over would have been too much. Will listen to Dr. C later. Best, Chris

Do no expect much cardiac and autonomic stuff from Dr Patrick.(in my opinnion) He is an epidemiologist and putting a study together, they will study our blood through deep sequencing and viro-chip. Then perhaps they will move on to other body fluids and tissus. It's not that it's not important but they are looking for cause, and cardiac and autonomic are the downstream effects, as far as I am concerned.

Kati, who has removed the links you so kindly provided? I have not heard Carruthers yet, and wanted to send the links to a few other local ME sufferers--was there some kind of permission problem? Chris

Apologies, I thought I wrote the explanation already but the editor gobbled it.

I was asked by MEFM BC to take down the recordings as I had no permission from them to share this information. I am not likely to obtain permissionto share this in the near future. While I do not share this point of view, it was my feeling that I had to comply.

It is in my opinion that sharing of information is crucial to our community.

I have been trying to find out about this new centre since it was announce. I have being seeing Dr Farley (Infectious Disease Specialist) in Abbotsford and Vancouver since becoming ill in Mar 2010 after a trip to East Timor and Inodnesia. Just this past July I have begun treatment with Dr. Hyams at his FM/CFS Clinic in Maple Ridge. Because of my other sinus and sleep apnea problems I am also being treated by a Respiratory Specialist and an Ear Nose and Throat Specialist. Coordination between all the doctors does not seem to be be too good. I don't think they mean to be inattentive. It is just the reality of having many doctors in different cities treating one patient. I have been hoping this clinic would be a solution to that problem. Also, my insurance will not cover and I can not afford many of the "non-tradional" therapies offered in Dr Hyams clinic.

On Sunday, May 12, Eder-Warren will join soprano Jacqueline Ko, tenor Zeus Ghadban and pianist Angus Kellett to present a benefit concert put on by Opera Mariposa at Marpole United Church.

The concert, entitled The Singer, is in honour of international awareness day for chronic immunological and neurological diseases.

All proceeds will go to support the new Complex Chronic Diseases Program at BC Women’s Hospital and Health Centre.

One of the singers knows the cause well. Ko lives with ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and two of her closest friends have ME/CFS and fibromyalgia.

The benefit concert will feature a selection of opera and Broadway favourites, and the evening will include a small reception and a prize raffle.

The Singer is set for Sunday, May 12 at 7:30 p.m. at Marpole United Church, 1296 West 67th Ave. in Vancouver. Admission by donation ($20 suggested) at the door, at operamariposa@gmail.com or at 778-918-9498.